Monument Valley The View Campground
The View Campground offers just what it claims some of the best views of one of the most iconic and historic sites in the entire country.
Both RV and tent sites are available at this northeastern Arizona campground. It also has a small camp store, restrooms, and shower facilities.
Take the guided four-wheeled drive tour of Monument Valley while you are there. Just be ready for one of the best views of the night sky youll ever see.
Of The Best Places For Camping In Arizona
Youll find a little bit of everything when camping in Arizona.
From lakeside camping to cactus dotted desert views to the majesty of the Grand Canyon, the Grand Canyon State has a whole lot to offer tent campers and RV campers alike.
So, pack up your tent or dust off your RV, here are the best places to camp in Arizona on your next trip.
Palm Creek Resort & Residences
Palm Creek Resort & Residences is an active 55+ community living located in Casa Grande. It spreads around an 18-hole golf course and provides visitors with stunning mountain views, three pools, pickleball, softball, tennis, lawn bowling, and much more. Should you get hungry, there are also two premium on-site restaurants.
The resort offers both RV camping and vacation rentals. The RV sites are back-in, full hook-up, and equipped with a padded patio, cable TV, and Wi-Fi. While the vacation rentals are fully furnished and feature all amenities of a home.
Whether you are looking just for a weekend full of fun and relaxation, or a place to retire, Palm Creek Resort & Residences awaits you with open arms.
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Kofa National Wildlife Refuge
The public lands south of Quartzite in western Arizona are popular among the snowbird RV crowd , but venturing deep into the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge gets you closer to the craggy peaksand helps weed out vehicles that can’t make it down the narrow, rocky roads. Palm Canyon Road and King Road are safe options for larger rigs, though high-clearance vehicles are recommended for other roads in the Refuge. As long as you take it slow, most of the lesser-traveled roads are manageable, but drivers should use caution when heading into washes and canyons, as they may encounter deep sand.Free, dispersed camping in the Refuge is limited to 14 days within a 12-month period, though the Bureau of Land Management land outside of the boundary doesn’t have a 12-month restriction on 14-day stays. Campfires are allowed in rock rings, but gathering wood is prohibited in areas designated as wilderness, so consider bringing your own firewood. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service mandates that all vehicles remain within 100 feet off of the road. There is a smattering of signage highlighting areas that are off-limits to vehicles, many of which are at established campsites.
Why Youll Love Sentinel Peak Rv Park
Tucson camping sites are available at a number of different facilities in and around the city, but Sentinel Peak RV Park is the only one of those parks that put you close to all the action. All guests have access to a free shuttle and a swimming pool that helps them cool off on hot days. The resort welcomes pets on leashes, and there are areas for walking your pets. Youll find Tucson dog runs and parks close to the resort also. When you bring your bike from home, you can explore every part of the city without relying on a car due to Sentinel Peak RV Parks close proximity to several bike trails.
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Desert Trails Rv Park
The best value RV campground Tucson has is the Desert Trails RV Park. It is in an unspoiled desert, but they have extensive amenities to entertain their guests.
This park hosts 40 spots and offers hiking, dances, biking, and aerobics activities for active guests. It has a campground atmosphere, but they have musicians who perform two to three days a week.
When they dont have live music, Desert Trails has:
- Bingo
- Picnic tables
- A lounge area
The staff plans activities specifically for winter, and you can easily hike at Saguaro National Park from your RV.
The customer service is friendly and helpful, and the park is pet- and kid-friendly. However, the pull-thru sites are a little small to accommodate for all 176 of them.
If you dont mind being a little cramped, Prince of Tucson has beautiful views and proximity to the highway so that you can get anywhere in Tucson.
Patagonia Lake State Park Nogales
A boat heads towards the marina at Patagonia Lake as it passes some reeds along the bank on Thursday, June 19, 2008, in Patagonia, Ariz.Photo by A. E. Araiza/Arizona Daily Star
Drive time from Tucson: About an hour and a half
Average summer temperature: High of 93 degrees and low of 65 degrees
Amenities: Park store, marina, swimming area, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, drinking water, grill, fire pit and electricity in most of the campsites.
Can I bring the RV? You betcha! Most camping spots have enough space to fit a RV.
Cost: Fees start at $25
With an average high temperature of 93 degrees in the summer, Patagonia Lake State Park can get a little warm during those dog days but when Tucson is well in the triple digits, anything below 100 degrees feels like an arctic chill. With hiking trails, birdwatching spots and a lake that’s good for swimming, boating and fishing, this state park is a perfect place for a fun weekend. And if you’re more of a glamper than a camper you’ll fit right in. There are about 105 camping spaces on site and most having access to electricity. There are even cabins if you want to skip the whole tent thing all together.
Find more information here.
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Tucson / Lazydays Koa Best Rated On Google Maps
TUCSON / LAZYDAYS KOA is the best rated camping in Arizona on google maps! No wonder why, its heaven for campers.
Its an ideal place in a deserted oasis for family or a group of friends.
You can enjoy amazing amenities such as:
- 2 swimming pools
- Free lemons right off the tree all around the campsite Frank
- KOA staff was very friendly and organized Jane
- We stayed during COVID-19, few amenities were closed, but overall still a great experience John
- We loved the big distance between site, we had a lot of privacy Victor
Tips For Visiting Catalina State Park
What else do I need to know before I experience Catalina State Park?
Here are some things to keep in mind before you go:
* For other ideas of things to do around Tucson, be sure to subscribe to our FREE This Week In Tucson newsletter and to like .
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Colossal Cave Mountain Park Campground
Another campground with a beautiful setting on the southeastern edge of Tucson is the Colossal Cave Mountain Park campground. Built in the Posta Quemada canyon by the Civilian Corp of Engineers in 1934, it’s a shady place with historic features. Sites are set among large saguaro cactus and mesquite trees.
The campground has 30 sites and is primarily geared toward tent camping but can accommodate a limited number of RVs. This is a primitive campground with no electrical sites and limited restrooms and water. Campsites have tables and barbecue grills. Pets are welcome.
Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, check in at the Cave Shop first.
The main park gate is locked each night, so no entrance or exit is allowed after certain hours. This park is well positioned, just 11 miles south of Saguaro National Park , on Old Spanish Trail.
Us Fish And Wildlife Services
US Fish and Wildlife manages a total of 9 wildlife refuges and 3 fish hatcheries throughout Arizona. These pristine areas offer various recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, and technical 4×4 trails. Many allow motorized access. The primary purpose of these areas is for hunting and fishing. Some have cabins available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Each Wildlife Refuge has a separate set of rules and regulations. Use the links below to find a Wildlife Refuge in Arizona. You will find the rules on each refuge website under the Visit tab in the menu.
Some Wildlife Refuges allow dispersed camping while others dont. Many have developed camping areas and prohibit dispersed camping. Some are entirely closed to camping altogether.
To learn more about Arizonas National Parks, .To view an interactive map of all National Parks, .
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Colossal Cave Mountain Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Krista Z.
The secluded campsites at Colossal Cave Mountain Park are nestled among mesquites, just about 40 miles from Tucson. This campground is accessible to RVs, however, larger RVs may have trouble maneuvering into parking spots. If youre traveling in a large RV, wed definitely recommend calling the campground ahead of time for more information.
There is drinking water available, and you can have fires as each site is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and gratebut you must bring your own firewood. The Colossal Cave tours are highly regarded, ranging from one to three hours long.
The picnic tables were nice, and the entire canyon was just beautiful. Its also a simple drive to Saguaro National Park as well.Brad F.
Why Youll Love Crazy Horse Rv Park
While you can stay for just a few nights or a full week, this RV park also features monthly spots. Some guests even call the park home. These permanent residents are just as friendly as the staff and can give you some recommendations on things to see and do nearby. You can grab a free cup of coffee anytime and stop by for free doughnuts on Wednesdays. The park has a recreation hall that puts on special activities from December through March
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Things To Bring For Camping
No matter if youre an experienced camper or a newbie, nobody should set off for their camping trip unprepared. The most important aspect of every comfortable camping getaway is your sleeping setup. You should not only invest in a quality tent but also in bedding. A good sleeping bag and a cot, pad, or mattress are the keys. If youre planning on cooking, dont forget to bring camping cookware as well. In summer, you might need a cooler for your food. Flashlight, matches, bug spray, and sunscreen are good to have, too.
We hope youve enjoyed this article about the best camping in Arizona and youve found your next camping spot for the trip!
If you know any campgrounds in Arizona that should be on this list, please let us know. Hit the comment below or just head to our contact page. We will appreciate any ideas.
Have a great time camping in Arizona.
Disclaimer: This article about campgrounds in Arizona might contain some affiliate links. These links help us to earn a commission. This income helps to support our magazine and content production.
The Best Campsites In Southern Arizona
Southern Arizona is home to stunning landscapes, and its sunshine and dry heat make for ideal car camping weather.
With more Americans hitting the road than ever before, the quest to find solitude and scenery has become extremely competitive, but if you know where to look there are still plenty of hidden gems in the Grand Canyon state. From dispersed car camping to developed campgrounds in parks, here are the most scenic places to sleep under the stars
While many developed campgrounds and boondocking hotspots are well-equipped to handle tourists, the lesser-known public lands rely on visitors to do their part when it comes to preservation and maintenance. In addition to following local rules and regulations, it’s important to verse yourself with Leave No Trace principles, which are guidelines that help protect these beautiful, wild spaces. From packing out your trash to minimizing the impact of campfires, if we do our part to take care of our public lands, we will have the privilege of enjoying them for many years to come.
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Picacho Peak State Park
Why You Should Camp Here: Facing the giant wall of Picacho Peak, wake up to wildflowers in the Spring or settle underneath the full-moon in the Winter.
- Reservations Accepted: Yes
- Best Seasons: Fall, Winter, Early Spring
- Campsite Type: Tents, cars, and RVs welcome
- RV Hookups: Yes
Welcome to Picacho Peak State Park! This is a great place to stop if youve been driving South through Arizona for a while as its just about halfway between Phoenix and Tucson.
This is well worth the stop if you are traveling I-10. This is a beautiful state park with lovely trails, wildflowers, wildlife, and beautiful vistas. Bill K., on TripAdvisor
With 85 campsites made for RVers and tent campers alike, you may find that the campground is full in the Spring. This state park is known for its wildflowers and cactus blooms. Once the blooms come to life, people flock to the meadows to see it, so be sure to reserve your campsite early during the busy season.
At your campsite, WiFi is available for an extra fee for those who work and travel on the road. There are no sewer or water hookups, so its best to bring in your own water in case of shortages as there arent many amenities around the area.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
You just cant say youve hit the best camping in Arizona without visiting Lake Mead!
Visit the Hoover Dam or hike miles of beautiful trails through canyons and valleys. The activities and sites at Lake Mead National Recreation Area are numerous.
The campgrounds offer single or group sites with access to restrooms, picnic tables, grills, running water, and shad! RV sites with full hookups are also available.
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Rv & Tent Camping At Catalina State Park
Catalina State Park has a total of 120 electric and water sites for both tent and RV camping. There are two campgrounds: Campground A and Campground B. All sites are suitable for either RVs or tents. Because of the popularity of campgrounds at Catalina State Park, camping is limited to 14 nights in a 30-day period.
What is the difference between Campgrounds A and B? How many sites are in each campground?
A Loop has 48 sites, B Loop has 72. B Loop is newer and has access to the 50-Year and Bridle Trails.
What are the sites like?
Sites are paved, fairly level, and located in a natural Sonoran Desert setting . Each site has its own picnic table and barbecue grill.
Can we have a campfire at our site?
Wood fires are never permitted in Campground A or B. Charcoal, propane, and synthetic wood fires are allowed.
* Wood fires are allowed in designated overnight group areas and the Equestrian center only.
Are hook-ups available?
All sites offer water and electric. Sewer hook-ups are not available.
There are two RV dump stations at Catalina State Park. Use of the dump stations is included in the price for camping.
If you are passing through the area and need to use the dump station, the fee is $15.
Can we bring our generator?
Yes, but note that generator use is only permitted between 8:00am and 8:00pm.
Are there designated quiet hours?
Yes. Quiet hours are from 10:00pm to 7:00am. Please be respectful to your neighbors and keep noise to a minimum within this timeframe.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area Temple Bar Marina Rv Park
Home to the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead is a great Arizona vacation spot that offers activities like fishing, boating, and hiking.
Stay at the Template Bar Marina RV Park. It offers full RV hookups with a household current option, restrooms, showers, camp store, coin laundry, and a dump station.
This campground does not take reservations, so sites are available on a first come, first serve basis only.
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What People Are Saying About Catalina State Park Campground
The RV sites are level and well-spaced, giving each site plenty of elbow room. Bathrooms are spotless and well maintained. Bruce, Google Review
Location
Image Source:https://www.roverpass.com/c/w…
Whispering Palms RV Park is close to one of the largest shopping districts in Tucson, which lets you pick out everything you need for your trip and grab some souvenirs for those back home. Youll also find yourself close to attractions like the Air and Space Museum, Tucson Botanical Gardens, and Sabino Canyon. When you stay here, youll even be somewhat close to the Grand Canyon, which is a cant-miss spot for many Arizona travelers.
Free Camping Tucson Arizona Bureau Of Land Management
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Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means we will earn a commission on the products or services you purchase using the links. There is no additional cost to you and the earnings help keep this website running. Read the Affiliate Disclaimer for more information.
As we make our way east, free camping is becoming difficult to find. We did find a great free camping spot in Tucson, Arizona. Eight miles west of the city on Ajo Highway, the BLM land is along the edge of an Indian Reservation and close proximity to Tucson Mountain Park. The area is quite small with well established campsites. The sites are close to each other not the type of place to go for peace and quiet.
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